I Was About to Write Off All Hairstyles Until I Saw This

As a beauty editor, I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m going to anyway: Hair can be challenging. Like,really challenging. After scrolling through social media, I’m almost always too intimidated to try a style out because I don’t want to fail—again. But just because I can’t master intricate, Pinterest-worthy styles doesn’t mean I should succumb to air-dried hair for the rest of my life. And so, eager for both motivation and inspiration, I decided to call on the expertise of Taye Hansberry.

Naturally the L.A.-based fashion and beauty influencer was the perfect person to bring in for the latest installment of our 10-minute beauty challenge. (Tune in here if you didn’t catch our previous hair and makeup challenges.) If she can complete it, so can I, I thought. Yesterday at Ulta Beauty in Santa Monica, Hansberry chose a hairstyle at random, and was given 10 minutes to shop everything she needed and create the style. Her pick? A double dutch braid–ponytail hybrid. “Dutch braid, cornrow, underbraid—they all mean the same thing and deliver that pop effect,” says Samantha Manuzak from Ulta Beauty’s Design Team.

Watch the video below to see how Hansberry made an intimidating style less so (thanks to Manuzak’s guidance), in under 10 minutes.

This is all the proof needed to show that anyone—pro or not—can create this look. Whether you have thin, thick, or curly hair, as long as you’re using the right products and have 10 minutes to spare, it’s all possible.

Shop the hair products used to do this hairstyle, and don’t forget to pin this image to reference the next time you need some last-minute inspiration.

The focus is on the braids, so you’ll need a product like Braid Aid—it’ll make gripping easier and help your braid last longer. Apply a bit of product to your fingertips; then begin braiding on the side of your head with more hair. Make sure the strands you’re braiding are even; otherwise you’ll end up with a lopsided style you’ll likely have to redo. “The more hair you have, the easier it is for unwanted strands to slip in,” explains Manuzak. “Don’t be afraid to clip your hair back to keep it out of the way.”

Once the braids are secured and pulled into a pony, don’t forget to give your curls some attention (if you have them). “There are two different ways to apply this,” says Manuzak. “You can mist it right onto the hair or spritz some onto your fingers and work it through the ponytail. The natural oils from your hands will help refresh the curls even more.” Try scrunching or twirling curls for added definition.

Now after all that work, you want to be sure the style lasts. Opt for a spray wax that delivers bendable texture and a satin finish so the style doesn’t feel crunchy. “I’m a crazy person about edges,” confesses Hansberry. After spraying some onto her fingertips, she went through and pressed the small pieces of hair along the sides of her head down. Follow up with a generous spritz over the entire style and you won’t have to worry about it falling out of place.

Are you hairstyle challenged? Think you can do this style in under 10 minutes? Bookmark it and try it out yourself later this week.